Method and Apparatus for Generating and Image

ABSTRACT

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus, comprising a processor configured to determine a position information related to a first media object, determine a position information related to a second media object, and automatically generate at least one image based at least in part on the position information related to the first media object and based at least in part on the position information related to said second media object is disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/952452, titledMETHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR USING MEDIA CONTENTAS AWARENESS CUES, filed Dec. 7, 2007, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. This application also relates to U.S.application Ser. No. 11/961467, titled METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTERPROGRAM PRODUCT FOR UTILIZING REAL-WORLD AFFORDANCES OF OBJECTS INAUDIO-VISUAL MEDIA DATA TO DETERMINE INTERACTIONS WITH THE ANNOTATIONSTO THE OBJECTS, filed Dec. 20, 2007, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. This application also relates to U.S. PatentApplication, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A MEDIAOBJECT”, which is being filed concurrently and is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to generating an image.

BACKGROUND

There has been a recent surge in the usage of audio, video, images,and/or the like. With the increased availability of electronic devicesand the increased availability of device connectivity, the user hasunprecedented access to media information.

This plethora of media has changed the way people experience the worldaround them. When a user is planning to visit a place, he may nowreadily find media associated with that place. For example, a user of anelectronic device may access a video of a park he is planning to see. Inanother example, a user may access images related to a building he isplanning to visit.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of the invention are set out in the claims. Inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, anapparatus, comprising a processor configured to determine a positioninformation related to a first media object, determine a positioninformation related to a second media object, and automatically generateat least one image based at least in part on the position informationrelated to the first media object and based at least in part on theposition information related to said second media object is disclosed.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, amethod, comprising determining a position information related to a firstmedia object, determining a position information related to a secondmedia object, and automatically generating at least one image based atleast in part on the position information related to the first mediaobject and based at least in part on the position information related tosaid second media object is disclosed.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, acomputer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearingcomputer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, thecomputer program code comprising code for determining a positioninformation related to a first media object, code for determining aposition information related to a second media object, and code forautomatically generating at least one image based at least in part onthe position information related to the first media object and based atleast in part on the position information related to said second mediaobject is disclosed.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention,computer-readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executedby a computer, perform determining a position information related to afirst media object, determining a position information related to asecond media object, and automatically generating at least one imagebased at least in part on the position information related to the firstmedia object and based at least in part on the position informationrelated to said second media object is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the presentinvention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an example of map information which maybe utilized by embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another diagram representing an example of map informationwhich may be utilized by embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for automatically generatingan image according to an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is another flow diagram showing a method for automaticallygenerating an image according to an example embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5E are diagrams showing image generation according to anexample embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6F are additional diagrams showing image generation accordingto an example embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 7A-7F are further diagrams showing image generation according toan example embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-8F are further additional diagrams showing image generationaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is yet another flow diagram showing a method for automaticallygenerating an image according to an example embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 10A-10C are yet further additional diagrams showing imagegeneration according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an example embodiment of a system whichmay benefit from the teachings of the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example embodiment of anelectronic device which may benefit from the teachings of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An example embodiment of the present invention and its potentialadvantages are best understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 12 of thedrawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram representing an example of map information 100 whichmay be utilized by embodiments of the present invention. It should beunderstood, however, that the map information of FIG. 1 as illustratedand hereinafter described is merely illustrative of information whichmay be associated with a map, and therefore, should not be taken tolimit the scope of the invention. It should be understood that there maybe one or more methods for configuring, communication, storing, and/orthe like, map information and that such methods should not be taken tolimit the scope of the present invention.

In an example embodiment, map information 100 may comprise streetinformation, for example street information 102A-102D. In an exampleembodiment, street information may comprise information related tolocation, speed limit, direction, route, number of lanes, a trafficcondition, road surface, construction, bicycle lane information,pedestrian accommodation information, and/or the like. For example,street information may comprise information indicating a bidirectional,2 lane, asphalt paved, street between a first location and a secondlocation. In an example embodiment street information may compriseinformation relating to an intersection of one or more streets. Forexample, street information may comprise information related to trafficcontrol related to an intersection, such as a stop sign, traffic light,traffic circle, and/or the like.

In an example embodiment, map information 100 may comprise buildinginformation, for example building information 104A-104S. In an exampleembodiment, building information may comprise information related tolocation, shape, height, façade, and/or the like. For example, buildinginformation may comprise information indicating a rectangular buildingwhich is 12 m tall with a stone façade. It should be understood thatbuilding information may vary. For example, building information mayindicate a building at a location. In another example, buildinginformation may indicate a building with a rectangular foundation at alocation. In yet another example, building information may indicate abuilding at a location which is 15 m tall, with two rectangularfoundations, where the space between the foundations comprises anopening through the building which is 7 m tall.

In an example embodiment, map information 100 may comprise furtherinformation which is not illustrated in FIG. 1. In an exampleembodiment, map information 100 may comprise topographical information.For example, map information 100 may comprise elevation informationassociated with one or more locations. In an example embodiment, mapinformation may comprise zoning information. For example, mapinformation 100 may comprise information indicating that an area relatesto a single family residential area, a multi-family residential area, aretail area, an industrial area, and/or the like. In an exampleembodiment, map information 100 may comprise information related to abody of water. For example, map information may comprise informationrelated to a river, a lake, a pond, an ocean, a bay, and/or the like. Inan example embodiment, map information 100 may relate to florainformation. For example, map information 100 may comprise informationrelating to a forest of oak trees in an area.

It may be desirable to associate position information with a mediaobject. It should be understood that a media object may comprise imageinformation, video information, audio information, and/or the like. Forexample, a media object may comprise one or more images. In an exampleembodiment, position information may comprise location information,heading information, elevation information, and/or the like. In anexample embodiment, position information associated with a media objectmay relate to position information associated with the creation of themedia object. For example, position information associated with a videomay relate to the position of the device that captured the video. In anexample embodiment, position information may relate to a positionrelated to the content of a media object. For example, a video of acollege football team winning a championship game may have associatedposition information corresponding with the location of the college,even though the video of the game may have been captured at a differentcollege.

FIG. 2 is another diagram representing an example of map information 200which may be utilized by embodiments of the present invention. It shouldbe understood, however, that the map information of FIG. 2 asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative ofinformation which may be associated with a map, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention. It should beunderstood that there may be one or more methods for configuring,communicating, storing, and/or the like, map information and that suchmethods should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, map information 200 may comprise streetinformation, for example street information 202A-202D. In an exampleembodiment, street information may comprise information related tolocation, speed limit, direction, route, number of lanes, a trafficcondition, road surface, construction, bicycle lane information,pedestrian accommodation information, and/or the like. For example,street information may comprise information indicating a bidirectional,2 lane, asphalt paved, street between a first location and a secondlocation. In an example embodiment street information may compriseinformation relating to an intersection of one or more streets. Forexample, street information may comprise information related to trafficcontrol related to an intersection, such as a stop sign, traffic light,traffic circle, and/or the like.

In an example embodiment, map information 200 may comprise informationrelated to position information associated with a multimedia object. Forexample, position information 204A-204I. In the example of mapinformation 200, heading information associated with positioninformation may be represented in FIG. 2 by an arrow. In an exampleembodiment, one or more position information may relate to one or moremedia object. For example, position information 204D may relate to onemedia object. In another example, position information 204B may relateto two media objects. In yet another example, position information 204Aand position information 204H may relate to similar media objects. Instill another example, position information 204C and positioninformation 204E may relate to the same media object.

In an example embodiment, it may be desirable to provide a visualtransition between a media object related to a first positioninformation and another media object related to a second positioninformation. For example, it may be desirable to provide a user with avisual transition related to objects between the first positioninformation and the second position information. In an exampleembodiment, it may be desirable to automatically generate such a visualtransition. In an example embodiment, the visual transition may compriseone or more images. For example, the visual transition may comprise asingle image which may be displayed for a period of time before themedia object related to the second position information may be presentedto the user. In such an example, the single image may be displayed tothe user for 1 second before an image related to the second positioninformation may be displayed. In another example, the visual transitionmay be more than one image which may be displayed for a period of timebefore the media object related to the second position information maybe presented to the user. In such an example, the visual transition maycomprise an animation comprising the generated images.

In an example embodiment, it may be desirable to automatically generatea visual transition by generating one or more images related to one ormore objects associated with position information between the firstposition information and the second position information. For example,the visual transition may comprise an image comprising a building whichmay be located on a street which runs between the first positioninformation and the second position information. In another example, thevisual transition may comprise an animation depicting movement pastobjects along a path between the first position information and thesecond position information.

In an example embodiment, map information may be utilized to generateone or more images which may comprise a visual transition. For example,method 900 of FIG. 9 may be utilized to generate an image, such as image1020 of FIG. 10B.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for automatically generatingan image according to an example embodiment of the invention. It shouldbe understood, however, that the method of FIG. 3 as illustrated andhereinafter described is merely illustrative of a method which may beassociated with generating an image, and therefore, should not be takento limit the scope of the invention.

At block 302, position information related to a media object isdetermined. Position information may be acquired from metadataassociated with a media object, a database, and/or the like. Positioninformation may be determined using one or more related media objectswhich may have associated position information. For example, a visualproperty of the media object may be compared to a visual property ofanother media object. In such an example, if common visual propertiesare found, position information associated with the media object may becalculated in relation to the position information of the other mediaobject and a comparison of one or more visual properties.

At block 304, position information related to a second media object isdetermined. Position information may be acquired from metadataassociated with a media object, a database, and/or the like. Positioninformation may be determined using one or more related media objectswhich may have associated position information. For example, a visualproperty of the media object may be compared to a visual property ofanother media object. In such an example, if common visual propertiesare found, position information associated with the media object may becalculated in relation to the position information of the other mediaobject and a comparison of one or more visual properties.

At block 306 at least one image is generated based at least in part onthe first position information and based at least in part on the secondposition information. Method 900 of FIG. 9 may be utilized to generatethe at least one image. The generated image may relate to a positioninformation between the first position information and the secondinformation. For example, the generated image may relate to a positioninformation associated with a street between the first positioninformation and the second position information. In another example, thegenerated image may relate to a position information associated with afield between the first position information and the second positioninformation.

The position information associated with the generated image may beselected by determining a path between the first position informationand the second position information. It should be understood that theremay be more than one method for generating a path between the firstposition information and the second information. For example, a streetrouting method similar to a method utilized by a navigation system maybe utilized. In another example, a direct routing method may beutilized.

FIG. 4 is another flow diagram showing a method for automaticallygenerating an image according to an example embodiment of the invention.It should be understood, however, that the method of FIG. 4 asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of a methodwhich may be associated with generating an image, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

At block 402 a first media object is provided. Providing the mediaobject may comprise displaying, rendering, playing, and/or the like.Providing may comprise sending the media object to a device. Forexample, providing may comprise sending a media object from a server,for example server 1108 of FIG. 11 to an access device, for exampleaccess device 1102 of FIG. 11. In such an example, providing maycomprise utilizing a communication link, for example communication link1110 of FIG. 11.

At block 404 a second media object is selected. There may be more thanone method for a user to select the second media object and that theinvention is not limited by the method for selecting the second mediaobject. For example, a user may select a media object from a list of oneor more media objects. In another example, a user may select a mediaobject using a representation of one or more media objects mapped inrelation to associated position information.

At block 406 position information related to the first media object isdetermined. At block 408 position information related to the secondmedia object is determined. There may be more than one method todetermine position information and that the invention is not limited bythe method for determining position information related to a mediaobject. For example, determination of position information may compriseevaluating metadata associated with the media object. In anotherexample, determination of position information may comprise retrievingposition information from a database associated with the media object.

At block 410 a property related the first media object is determined. Atblock 412 a property related to the second media object is determined.The property may relate to a stylistic property, a weather condition, atime period, and/or the like. A stylistic property may comprise alighting condition, a color palette, a background sound, and/or thelike. In an example embodiment, an image relating to subject matterduring night time may have an associated property related to darkness.In another example embodiment, an image relating to subject matter whichmay be brightly lit has an associated property relating to brightness.In an example embodiment, color palette relates to one or more colorproperties associated with a media object. For example, a black andwhite video may have an associated property relating to a black andwhite color palette. In another example, a color image may have anassociated property relating to a color palette. It should be understoodthat there may be more than one property and/or types of propertiesassociated with a media object and that the invention is not limited bya property and/or type of property associated with a media object.

There may be one or more methods for determining a property associatedwith a media object. For example, a property may be determined byevaluating metadata associated with a media object. In another example,a property may be determined by evaluating the subject matter of themedia object. In such an example, at least part of a media object may beevaluated for a color palette property.

At block 414 at least one position information between the firstposition information and the second position information is determined.In an example embodiment, position information associated with one ormore intermediate positions between the first position and the secondposition is determined. In an example embodiment, the at least onedetermined position information relates to one or more locations betweenthe first position information and the second position information. Forexample, the at least one determined position information may relate tolocations along a path between the first position information and thesecond position information. In such an example, the path may relate toone or more streets, a topographical contour, a body of water, a directline, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, heading informationassociated with the determined position information may relate to anintermediate heading between the first position information and thesecond position information. For example, if the heading associated withthe first position information relates to a heading of north and theheading associated with the second position information relates to aheading of east, the at least one determined heading information mayrelate to at least one heading between north and east. In an exampleembodiment, determining position information between the first positioninformation and the second position information, the positioninformation may be determined using similar increments or increments ofdifferent size. For example, it may be desirable to distribute locationsassociated with determined position information evenly along a pathbetween the first position information and the second positioninformation. In another example, it may be desirable to have moreposition information associated with locations near the second positioninformation than associated with locations near the first positioninformation along a path. In such an example, there may be moredetermined position information related to an area surrounding thesecond position information than determined position information relatedto an area surrounding the first position information.

At block 416, at least one map property related to the determinedposition information is determined. For example, the map property mayrelate to building information, terrain information, elevationinformation, landscape information, zoning information, streetinformation, sidewalk information, and/or the like.

At block 418, one or more objects related to the map property aremodeled. In an example embodiment, a building is modeled relating to amap property associated with a building. In another example embodiment,plants are modeled relating to a map property associated with landscapeinformation. In still another example embodiment, people are modeledrelating to a map property associated with zoning information. Forexample, people representing a family on a walk may be modeled relatingto a map property associated with a single-family residential zone. Inanother example, people representing shoppers may be modeled relating toa map property associated with a commercial retail zone. In an exampleembodiment, there may be one or more methods for modeling an object. Forexample, modeling method 900 of FIG. 9 may be utilized for modeling.

At block 420 at least one image is automatically generated using themodel of block 418. For example, if a building, street, landscape, andpeople were modeled, an image relating to a view of the model may begenerated. In such an example, the generated image may comprise an imagerepresentation of the building, the street, the landscape, and/or thepeople. In an example embodiment, the determined position informationmay be utilized when generating the image. In an example embodiment,determined heading information may be utilized when generating theimage. For example, determined heading information may be utilized indetermining the perspective of the image relating to the model. Forexample, if a model may be generated representing a one block area, thedetermined position information may be utilized to determine theperspective of an image generated from the one block model. In such anexample, heading information relating to a north heading may be utilizedso that the generated image conveys a perspective of the model relatingto a viewer facing north.

At block 422 an animation is generated using the generated image orgenerated images of block 420. In an example embodiment, the animationmay comprise displaying the at least one generated image. It should beunderstood that there may be more than one method for transitioning fromone image to another. For example, there may be a panning transition, afading transition, a zooming transition, and/or the like. Therefore, thescope of the invention is not limited by the method for transitioning.In an example embodiment, if more than one image is generated at block420, the generated animation may comprise showing the generated images.In such an example, the time for which an image may be shown in theanimation may differ. For example, a generated image may be shown for 1second. In another example, an image may be shown for ½ second. In yetanother example, one generated image may be shown for 1 second andanother generated image may be shown for ½ second. In an exampleembodiment, a generated animation may comprise image 540 of FIG. 5C andimage 560 of FIG. 5D.

At block 424, the generated animation may be provided to the user.Providing the generated animation may comprise displaying, rendering,playing, and/or the like. Providing may comprise sending the mediaobject to a device. For example, providing may comprise sending thegenerated animation from a server, for example server 1108 of FIG. 11 toan access device, for example access device 1102 of FIG. 11. In such anexample, providing may comprise utilizing a communication link, forexample communication link 1110 of FIG. 11.

At block 426 the second media object may be provided to the user.Providing the media object may comprise displaying, rendering, playing,and/or the like. Providing may comprise sending the media object to adevice. For example, providing may comprise sending a media object froma server, for example server 1108 of FIG. 11 to an access device, forexample access device 1102 of FIG. 11. In such an example, providing maycomprise utilizing a communication link, for example communication link1110 of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 5A-5E are diagrams showing image generation according to anexample embodiment of the invention. It should be understood, however,that the image generation of FIGS. 5A-5E as illustrated and hereinafterdescribed are merely illustrative of visual information which may beassociated with generating an image, and therefore, should not be takento limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, it may be desirable to automatically generatetwo images associated with a first media object and a second mediaobject. In an example embodiment method 300 of FIG. 3 may be utilized togenerate the images.

FIG. 5A is a diagram representing an example of map information 500. Itshould be understood, however, that the map information of FIG. 5A asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative ofinformation which may be associated with a map, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention. It should beunderstood that in some circumstances, the number of determined positioninformation may vary. For example, it may be desirable to generate moreimages associated with a large transition between a position informationand another position information. In such an example, it may bedesirable to determine many position information between the positioninformation and the other position information. In another example, itmay be desirable to generate less images associated with a shorttransition between a position information and another positioninformation. In such an example, it may be desirable to determine fewposition information between the position information and the otherposition information.

In an example embodiment, position information 502A may relate toposition information associated with a first media object. In an exampleembodiment, position information 502D may relate to position informationassociated with a second media object. In an example, embodiment,position information 502B and position information 502C may relate toposition information associated with generated images. For example,method 400 of FIG. 4 may determine position information 502B andposition information 502C at block 414. In an example embodiment,generated position information 502B and 502C may relate to positioninformation along a path between position information 502A and 502D.

In an example embodiment, building information 504A-504E may relate tobuilding information of map information 500. In an example embodiment,building information 504A-504E may comprise information related tolocation, shape, height, façade, and/or the like. For example, buildinginformation 504B may comprise information related to a one story singlefamily home having a rectangular base.

In an example embodiment, 506A and 506B may relate to streetinformation. In an example embodiment, street information may compriseinformation related to location, speed limit, direction, route, numberof lanes, a traffic condition, road surface, construction, bicycle laneinformation, pedestrian accommodation information, and/or the like. Forexample, street information 506B may relate to a two lane paved street.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a visual representation 520 of a mediaobject. It should be understood, however, that the visual representationof FIG. 5B as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of visual information which may be associated with a mediaobject, and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of theinvention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 520 may relate to animage having similar content, a frame of a video, and/or the like. In anexample embodiment, visual representation 520 may associate withposition information 502A of FIG. 5A. For example, position information502A may relate to position information associated with the generationof the media object represented by visual representation 520. In anexample embodiment, street representation 522 may relate to streetinformation 506B of FIG. 5A. In an example embodiment streetrepresentation 524 may relate to street information 506A of FIG. 5A. Inan example embodiment, building representation 526 may relate tobuilding information 504A of FIG. 5A. It can be seen that a person and adog are represented in visual representation 520. These representedelements may be a part of the media object represented by visualrepresentation 520. For example, if visual representation 520 relates toa video, the person and dog in visual representation 520 may relate to aperson and dog present in the video.

FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a visual representation 540 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 5C asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 540 may associate withposition information 502B of FIG. 5A. For example, position information502B may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 542 may relate to streetinformation 506B of FIG. 5A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 544 may relate to building information 504B of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5D is a diagram showing a visual representation 560 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 5D asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 560 may associate withposition information 502C of FIG. 5A. For example, position information502C may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 562 may relate to streetinformation 506B of FIG. 5A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 564 may relate to building information 504C of FIG. 5A.In an example embodiment, building representation 566 may relate tobuilding information 504D of FIG. 5A. In an example embodiment, treerepresentation 568 may be related to map information, for examplefoliage information, zoning information, and/or the like. In anotherexample embodiment, tree representation 568 may relate to an elaborativeelement. For example, an elaborative element may be used to provide amore desirable image, to provide an element to indicate a stylistictransition, and/or the like.

FIG. 5E is a diagram showing a visual representation 580 of a mediaobject. It should be understood, however, that the visual representationof FIG. 5E as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of visual information which may be associated with a mediaobject, and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of theinvention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 580 may relate to animage having similar content, a frame of a video, and/or the like. In anexample embodiment, visual representation 580 may associate withposition information 502D of FIG. 5A. For example, position information502D may relate to position information associated with the generationof the media object represented by visual representation 580. In anexample embodiment, street representation 582 may relate to streetinformation 506B of FIG. 5A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 584 may relate to building information 504E of FIG. 5A.

FIGS. 6A-6F are additional diagrams showing image generation accordingto an example embodiment of the invention. It should be understood,however, that the image generation of FIGS. 6A-6F as illustrated andhereinafter described are merely illustrative of visual informationwhich may be associated with generating an image, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, it may be desirable to utilize a media objectassociated with position information related to a first media object anda second media object. For example, when determining positioninformation between the first media object and the second media object,it may be desirable to determine a position information associated withanother media object. For example, position information associated withanother media object may be near a path between the position informationassociated with the first media object and the position informationassociated with the second media object. In such an example, it may bedesirable to utilize the other media object for at least part of atransition between the first media object and the second media object.It may also be desirable to automatically generate two images associatedwith a first media object and a second media object. In an exampleembodiment method 300 of FIG. 3 may be utilized to generate the images.It should be understood that in some circumstances, the number ofdetermined position information may vary from this example. For example,it may be desirable to generate more images associated with a largetransition between a position information and another positioninformation. In such an example, it may be desirable to determinemultiple position information. In another example, it may be desirableto generate less images associated with a short transition between aposition information and another position information. In such anexample, it may be desirable to determine few or one positioninformation.

FIG. 6A is a diagram representing an example of map information 600. Itshould be understood, however, that the map information of FIG. 6A asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative ofinformation which may be associated with a map, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, position information 602A may relate toposition information associated with a first media object. In an exampleembodiment, position information 602E may relate to position informationassociated with a second media object. In an example, embodiment,position information 602B and position information 602D may relate toposition information associated with generated images. For example,method 400 of FIG. 4 may determine position information 602B andposition information 602D at block 414. In an example embodiment,generated position information 602B and position information 602D mayrelate to position information along a path between position information602A and position information 602E. In an example embodiment, positioninformation 602C may relate to another media object. For example, themedia object related to position information 602C may be present in amemory, a database, a server, and/or the like. It may be desirable toutilize an image associated with the media object instead of generatingan image. In an example embodiment, building information 604A-604C mayrelate to building information of map information 600. In an exampleembodiment, building information 604A-604C may comprise informationrelated to location, shape, height, façade, and/or the like. Forexample, building information 604B may comprise information related to aone story single family home having a rectangular base.

In an example embodiment, 606 may relate to street information. In anexample embodiment, street information may comprise information relatedto location, speed limit, direction, route, number of lanes, a trafficcondition, road surface, construction, bicycle lane information,pedestrian accommodation information, and/or the like. For example,street information 606 may relate to a four lane paved street.

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a visual representation 610 of a mediaobject. It should be understood, however, that the visual representationof FIG. 6B as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of visual information which may be associated with a mediaobject, and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of theinvention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 610 may relate to animage having similar content to the media object, a frame of a video,and/or the like. In an example embodiment, visual representation 610 mayassociate with position information 602A of FIG. 6A. For example,position information 602A may relate to position information associatedwith the generation of the media object represented by visualrepresentation 610. In an example embodiment, street representation 612may relate to street information 606 of FIG. 6A. In an exampleembodiment, building representation 614 may relate to buildinginformation 604A of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a visual representation 620 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 6C asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 620 may associate withposition information 602B of FIG. 6A. For example, position information602B may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 622 may relate to streetinformation 606 of FIG. 6A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 626 may relate to building information 604A of FIG. 6A.In an example embodiment, building representation 624 may relate tobuilding information 604B of FIG. 6A. It can be seen that elementsrepresenting two people are in visual representation 620. Therepresented elements may be related to map information, for examplepopulation information, zoning information, and/or the like. In anotherexample embodiment, the people representations may relate to anelaborative element. For example, an elaborative element may be used toprovide a more desirable image, to provide an element to indicate astylistic transition, and/or the like.

FIG. 6D is a diagram showing a visual representation 630 of a mediaobject. It should be understood, however, that the visual representationof FIG. 6D as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of visual information which may be associated with a mediaobject, and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of theinvention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 630 may relate to animage having similar content, a frame of a video, and/or the like. In anexample embodiment, visual representation 630 may associate withposition information 602C of FIG. 6A. For example, position information602C may relate to position information associated with the generationof the media object represented by visual representation 630. In anexample embodiment, street representation 632 may relate to streetinformation 606 of FIG. 6A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 636 may relate to building information 604B of FIG. 6A.In an example embodiment, building representation 634 may relate tobuilding information 604C of FIG. 6A. It can also be seen thatrepresentations of four people are shown in visual representation 630.These represented elements may be a part of the media object representedby visual representation 630. For example, if visual representation 630relates to a video, building representation 634, building representation636, street representation 632, and the representations of four peoplein visual representation 630 may relate to elements present in thevideo.

FIG. 6E is a diagram showing a visual representation 640 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 6E asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 640 may associate withposition information 602D of FIG. 6A. For example, position information602D may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 642 may relate to streetinformation 606 of FIG. 6A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 646 may relate to building information 604C of FIG. 6A.In an example embodiment, statue representation 644 may be related tomap information. For example map information may comprise informationrelated to a statue. In another example embodiment, statue 644 may berelated to information other than map information. For example,information related to the statue may be obtained from a database, aserver, and/or the like. It can be seen that elements representing twopeople are in visual representation 640. The represented elements may berelated to map information, for example population information, zoninginformation, and/or the like. In another example embodiment, the peoplerepresentations may relate to an elaborative element. For example, anelaborative element may be used to provide a more desirable image, toprovide an element to indicate a stylistic transition, and/or the like.

FIG. 6F is a diagram showing a visual representation 650 of a mediaobject. It should be understood, however, that the visual representationof FIG. 6F as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of visual information which may be associated with a mediaobject, and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of theinvention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 650 may relate to animage having similar content, a frame of a video, and/or the like. In anexample embodiment, visual representation 650 may associate withposition information 602E of FIG. 6A. For example, position information602E may relate to position information associated with the generationof the media object represented by visual representation 650. In anexample embodiment, street representation 652 may relate to streetinformation 606 of FIG. 6A. In an example embodiment, statuerepresentation 654 may relate a statue associated with the media object.It can also be seen that representations of four people are shown invisual representation 650. These represented elements may be a part ofthe media object represented by visual representation 650. For example,if visual representation 650 relates to a video, statue representation654, street representation 652, and the representations of four peoplein visual representation 650 may relate to elements present in thevideo.

FIGS. 7A-7F are further diagrams showing image generation according toan example embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood,however, that the image generation of FIGS. 7A-7F as illustrated andhereinafter described are merely illustrative of visual informationwhich may be associated with generating an image, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, it may be desirable to transition headinginformation associated with position information related to an image.For example, if the heading information related to position informationassociated with a media object differs from the heading informationrelated to position information associated with another media object, itmay be desirable for the heading information of determined positioninformation to reflect a transition between the heading informationassociated with the two media objects.

FIG. 7A is a diagram representing an example of map information 700. Itshould be understood, however, that the map information of FIG. 7A asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative ofinformation which may be associated with a map, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, position information 702A may relate toposition information associated with a first media object. In an exampleembodiment, position information 702E may relate to position informationassociated with a second media object. In an example, embodiment,position information 702B, position information 702C, and positioninformation 702D may relate to position information associated withgenerated images. For example, method 400 of FIG. 4 may determineposition information 702B, position 702C, and position information 702Dat block 414. In an example embodiment, generated position information702B, position information 702C, and position information 702D mayrelate to position information along a path between position information702A and position information 702E.

In an example embodiment, heading information may vary betweendetermined position information. In an example embodiment, headinginformation associated with position information 702B may be betweenheading information associated with position information 702A andheading information associated with position information 702C. In anexample embodiment, heading information associated with positioninformation 702C may be between heading information associated withposition information 702B and heading information associated withposition information 702D. In an example embodiment, heading informationassociated with position information 702D may be between headinginformation associated with position information 702C and headinginformation associated with position information 702E. It should beunderstood that in some circumstances, it may be desirable for headinginformation related to transition images to relate a varying headingtransition. For example, it may be desirable for the heading informationto be toward a direction being traveled on a road, to be towards alandmark, and/or the like.

In an example embodiment, building information 704A-704F may relate tobuilding information of map information 700. In an example embodiment,building information 704A-704F may comprise information related tolocation, shape, height, façade, and/or the like. For example, buildinginformation 704B may comprise information related to a one story singlefamily home having a rectangular base.

In an example embodiment, street information 706 may compriseinformation related to location, speed limit, direction, route, numberof lanes, a traffic condition, road surface, construction, bicycle laneinformation, pedestrian accommodation information, and/or the like. Forexample, street information 706 may relate to a two lane paved street.

FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a visual representation 710 of a mediaobject. It should be understood, however, that the visual representationof FIG. 7B as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of visual information which may be associated with a mediaobject, and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of theinvention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 710 may relate to animage having similar or identical content to the media object, a frameof a video, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, visualrepresentation 710 may associate with position information 702A of FIG.7A. For example, position information 702A may relate to positioninformation associated with the generation of the media objectrepresented by visual representation 710. In an example embodiment,street representation 712 may relate to street information 706 of FIG.7A. In an example embodiment, building representation 714 may relate tobuilding information 704A of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a visual representation 720 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 7C asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 720 may associate withposition information 702B of FIG. 7A. For example, position information702B may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 722 may relate to streetinformation 706 of FIG. 7A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 724 may relate to building information 704B of FIG. 7A.It can be seen that elements representing three people are in visualrepresentation 720. The represented elements may be related to mapinformation, for example population information, zoning information,and/or the like. In another example embodiment, the peoplerepresentations may relate to an elaborative element. For example, anelaborative element may be used to provide a more desirable image, toprovide an element to indicate a stylistic transition, and/or the like.

FIG. 7D is a diagram showing a visual representation 730 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 7D asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 730 may associate withposition information 702C of FIG. 7A. For example, position information702C may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 732 may relate to streetinformation 706 of FIG. 7A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 734A may relate to building information 704B of FIG. 7A.In an example embodiment, building representation 734B may relate tobuilding information 704C of FIG. 7A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 734C may relate to building information 704F of FIG. 7A.In an example embodiment, building representation 734D may relate tobuilding information 704E of FIG. 7A. It can be seen that elementsrepresenting four people are in visual representation 730. Therepresented elements may be related to map information, for examplepopulation information, zoning information, and/or the like. In anotherexample embodiment, the people representations may relate to anelaborative element. For example, an elaborative element may be used toprovide a more desirable image, to provide an element to indicate astylistic transition, and/or the like.

FIG. 7E is a diagram showing a visual representation 740 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 7E asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 740 may associate withposition information 702D of FIG. 7A. For example, position information702D may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 742 may relate to streetinformation 706 of FIG. 7A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 744 may relate to building information 704F of FIG. 7A.It can be seen that elements representing three people are in visualrepresentation 740. The represented elements may be related to mapinformation, for example population information, zoning information,and/or the like. In another example embodiment, the peoplerepresentations may relate to an elaborative element. For example, anelaborative element may be used to provide a more desirable image, toprovide an element to indicate a stylistic transition, and/or the like.

FIG. 7F is a diagram showing a visual representation 750 of a mediaobject. It should be understood, however, that the visual representationof FIG. 7F as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of visual information which may be associated with a mediaobject, and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of theinvention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 750 may relate to animage having similar content, a frame of a video, and/or the like. In anexample embodiment, visual representation 750 may associate withposition information 702E of FIG. 7A. For example, position information702E may relate to position information associated with the generationof the media object represented by visual representation 750. In anexample embodiment, street representation 752 may relate to streetinformation 706 of FIG. 7A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 754 may relate to building information 704F of FIG. 7A.It can also be seen that representations of four people are shown invisual representation 750. These represented elements may be a part ofthe media object represented by visual representation 750. For example,if visual representation 750 relates to a video, statue representation754, street representation 752, and the representations of four peoplein visual representation 750 may relate to elements present in thevideo.

FIGS. 8A-8F are further additional diagrams showing image generationaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention. It shouldbe understood, however, that the image generation of FIGS. 8A-8F asillustrated and hereinafter described are merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with generating an image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, it may be desirable to reflect a stylistictransition between two or more media objects in a generated image. Forexample a generated image may reflect a transition between seasons,lighting conditions, and/or the like.

FIG. 8A is a diagram representing an example of map information 800. Itshould be understood, however, that the map information of FIG. 8A asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative ofinformation which may be associated with a map, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, position information 802A may relate toposition information associated with a first media object. In an exampleembodiment, position information 802E may relate to position informationassociated with a second media object. In an example, embodiment,position information 802B, position information 802C, and positioninformation 802D may relate to position information associated withgenerated images. For example, method 400 of FIG. 4 may determineposition information 802B, position information 802C, and positioninformation 802D at block 414. In an example embodiment, generatedposition information 802B, position information 802C, and positioninformation 802D may relate to position information along a path betweenposition information 802A and position information 802E.

In an example embodiment, a media object associated with positioninformation 802A may relate to a season of summer. For example, a plantrepresented in the media object may indicate summer foliage. In anexample embodiment, a media object associated with position information802E may relate to a season of winter. For example, snow may berepresented in the media object, a representation of a plant in themedia object may indicate winter foliage, and/or the like. In an exampleembodiment, it may be desirable to indicate a transition from summer towinter in one or more generated images. Such an indication may improve auser's understanding of the context of the media object associated withposition information 802E in relation to the media object associatedwith position information 802A.

In an example embodiment, building information 804A-804C may relate tobuilding information of map information 800. In an example embodiment,building information 804A-804C may comprise information related tolocation, shape, height, façade, and/or the like. For example, buildinginformation 804B may comprise information related to a one story singlefamily home having a rectangular base.

In an example embodiment, street information 806 may compriseinformation related to location, speed limit, direction, route, numberof lanes, a traffic condition, road surface, construction, bicycle laneinformation, pedestrian accommodation information, and/or the like. Forexample, street information 806 may relate to a two lane paved street.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a visual representation 810 of a mediaobject. It should be understood, however, that the visual representationof FIG. 8B as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of visual information which may be associated with a mediaobject, and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of theinvention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 810 may relate to animage having similar content to the media object, a frame of a video,and/or the like. In an example embodiment, visual representation 810 mayassociate with position information 802A of FIG. 8A. For example,position information 802A may relate to position information associatedwith the generation of the media object represented by visualrepresentation 810. In an example embodiment, street representation 812may relate to street information 806 of FIG. 8A. In an exampleembodiment, building representation 814 may relate to buildinginformation 804A of FIG. 8A. In an example embodiment, a media objectassociated with position information 802A may relate to a season ofsummer. For example, a plant represented in the media object mayindicate summer foliage.

FIG. 8C is a diagram showing a visual representation 820 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 8C asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 820 may associate withposition information 802B of FIG. 8A. For example, position information802B may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 822 may relate to streetinformation 806 of FIG. 8A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 824 may relate to building information 804A of FIG. 8A.In an example embodiment, building representation 826 may relate tobuilding information 804B of FIG. 8A. In an example embodiment,representation 820 may indicate a seasonal transition from the seasonindicated in visual representation 810 of FIG. 8B. For example, visualrepresentation may indicate a season of early autumn. An example of suchan indication may be a foliage pattern associated with early autumn,such as foliage color, foliage pattern, and/or the like.

FIG. 8D is a diagram showing a visual representation 830 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 8D asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 830 may associate withposition information 802C of FIG. 8A. For example, position information802C may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 832 may relate to streetinformation 806 of FIG. 8A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 834 may relate to building information 804B of FIG. 8A.In an example embodiment, representation 830 may indicate a seasonaltransition from the season indicated in visual representation 820 ofFIG. 8C. For example, visual representation may indicate a season oflate autumn. An example of such an indication may be a foliage patternassociated with late autumn, such as foliage color, foliage pattern,and/or the like.

FIG. 8E is a diagram showing a visual representation 840 of a generatedimage, for example an image generated at block 306 of FIG. 3. It shouldbe understood, however, that the visual representation of FIG. 8E asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of visualinformation which may be associated with a generated image, andtherefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 840 may associate withposition information 802D of FIG. 8A. For example, position information802D may have been determined at block 414 of FIG. 4. In an exampleembodiment, an element of visual representation may be related to amodel, for example a model generated at block 904 of FIG. 9. In anexample embodiment, street representation 842 may relate to streetinformation 806 of FIG. 8A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 844 may relate to building information 804B of FIG. 8A.In an example embodiment, building representation 846 may relate tobuilding information 804C of FIG. 8A. In an example embodiment,representation 840 may indicate a seasonal transition from the seasonindicated in visual representation 830 of FIG. 8D. For example, visualrepresentation may indicate a season of early winter. An example of suchan indication may be a foliage pattern associated with early winter,such as foliage color, foliage pattern, and/or the like. In an exampleembodiment, presence of snow, amount of snow, and/or the like mayindicate a season of early winter.

FIG. 8F is a diagram showing a visual representation 850 of a mediaobject. It should be understood, however, that the visual representationof FIG. 8F as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of visual information which may be associated with a mediaobject, and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of theinvention.

In an example embodiment, visual representation 850 may relate to animage having similar content, a frame of a video, and/or the like. In anexample embodiment, visual representation 850 may associate withposition information 802E of FIG. 8A. For example, position information802E may relate to position information associated with the generationof the media object represented by visual representation 850. In anexample embodiment, street representation 852 may relate to streetinformation 806 of FIG. 8A. In an example embodiment, buildingrepresentation 854 may relate to building information 804C of FIG. 8A.In an example embodiment, visual representation 850 may relate to aseason of winter. For example, snow may be represented, a representationof a plant winter foliage, and/or the like.

FIG. 9 is yet another flow diagram showing a method for automaticallygenerating an image according to an example embodiment of the invention.It should be understood, however, that the method of FIG. 3 asillustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative of a methodwhich may be associated with generating an image, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

At block 902 at least one object to be represented is determined. Objectdetermination may comprise utilization of map information, such asbuilding information, terrain information, elevation information,landscape information, zoning information, street information, sidewalkinformation, and/or the like. For example, object determination maycomprise utilization of building information 104E of FIG. 1, streetinformation 102A of FIG. 1, and street information 102C of FIG. 1.

At block 904 a model is generated. Generating may comprise generating amodel of a building, a street, a plant, a person, terrain, a sidewalk, ahill, and/or the like. A building may be modeled relating to buildinginformation. Plants may be modeled relating to landscape information.People may be modeled relating zoning information. For example, peoplerepresenting a family on a walk may be modeled relating to a mapproperty associated with a single-family residential zone. In anotherexample, people representing shoppers may be modeled relating to a mapproperty associated with a commercial retail zone.

There may be one or more methods for modeling an object. For example,information relating to a building shape, such as building information1002 of FIG. 10A, may be utilized to generate a model of the building,for example building model 1022 of FIG. 10B. In another example, a modelmay be generated by using zoning information to generate a model. Forexample, a model may be generated by utilizing zoning informationrelating to building density to generate a model resembling a buildingdensity related to the zoning information.

It may be desirable to utilize an elaborative element in a model whenthe element may not relate to any map information. For example, if it isdesired to have a more elaborate image than what would be provided usingmap information alone, it may be desirable to use the elaborativeelement. In such an example, an elaborative element may be a tree,person, animal, sidewalk, bench, and/or the like. In an exampleembodiment, an elaborative element may be used to illustrate a stylistictransition. For example, a tree may be used to allow an image toindicate a transition in season. In such an example, a tree in one imagemay indicate winter foliage.

At block 906 at least one image is generated using the model. Forexample, if a building, street, landscape, and people were modeled, animage relating to a view of the model may be generated. In such anexample, the generated image may comprise an image representation of thebuilding, the street, the landscape, and/or the people. A perspective inthe model from which to relate an image of the model may be selected.Position information may be utilized to select the perspective. Headinginformation may be utilized when generating the image. For example,determined heading information may be utilized in determining theperspective of the image relating to the model. For example, if a modelis generated representing a one block area, the determined positioninformation may be utilized to determine the perspective of an imagegenerated from the one block model. In such an example, headinginformation relating to a north heading may be utilized so that thegenerated image conveys a perspective of the model relating to a viewerfacing north.

FIGS. 10A-10C are yet further additional diagrams showing imagegeneration according to an example embodiment of the present invention.It should be understood, however, that the image generation of FIGS.10A-10C as illustrated and hereinafter described are merely illustrativeof visual information which may be associated with generating an image,and therefore, should not be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 10A is a diagram representing an example of map information 1000.It should be understood, however, that the map information of FIG. 10Aas illustrated and hereinafter described is merely illustrative ofinformation which may be associated with a map, and therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, building information 1002 may relate tobuilding information of map information 1000. In an example embodiment,building information 1002 may comprise information related to location,shape, height, façade, and/or the like. For example, buildinginformation 1002 may comprise information related to a one story singlefamily home having a rectangular base. In another example, buildinginformation 1002 may comprise information related to a six storybuilding with a concrete façade having a complex rectangular compositeshape.

FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a visual representation 1020 of a modelwhich may be generated. It should be understood, however, that thevisual representation of FIG. 10B as illustrated and hereinafterdescribed is merely illustrative of visual information which may beassociated with a model, and therefore, should not be taken to limit thescope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, building model 1022 may represent a model of abuilding generated at least in part using map information, such asbuilding information. In an example embodiment, building model 1022 mayrepresent a six story building. In an example embodiment, it may bedesirable to model a building based, at least in part on a base shape,for example the base shape illustrated in building information 1002 ofFIG. 10A. In an example embodiment, building information may compriseinformation related to building height, façade, and/or the like. In suchan example, such building information may be utilized to generate amodel of the building. In another example embodiment, at least part ofbuilding information may be generated. For example, map information suchas zoning information, topographic information, aquatic information,flora information, climate information, agricultural information, and/orthe like may be utilized, at least in part, to generate a model. In suchan example, zoning information associated with high density multi-familyhousing may be utilized to generate a building model of ten stories.

FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a visual representation 1040 of a modelwhich may be generated. It should be understood, however, that thevisual representation of FIG. 10C as illustrated and hereinafterdescribed is merely illustrative of visual information which may beassociated with a model, and therefore, should not be taken to limit thescope of the invention.

In an example embodiment, building model 1042 may represent a model of abuilding generated at least in part using map information, such asbuilding information. In an example embodiment, building model 1042 mayrepresent a single story house. In an example embodiment, it may bedesirable to model a building based, at least in part on a base shape,for example the base shape illustrated in building information 1002 ofFIG. 10A. In an example embodiment, building information may compriseinformation related to building height, façade, and/or the like. In suchan example, such building information may be utilized to generate amodel of the building. In another example embodiment, at least part ofbuilding information may be generated. For example, map information suchas zoning information, topographic information, aquatic information,flora information, climate information, agricultural information, and/orthe like may be utilized, at least in part, to generate a model. In suchan example, zoning information associated with low density single familyhousing may be utilized to generate a building model representing asingle story house.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a system which may benefit from theteachings of the invention. It should be understood, however, that thesystem of FIG. 11 as illustrated and hereinafter described is merelyillustrative of a system, and therefore, should not be taken to limitthe scope of the invention.

System 1100 may comprise a server 1108, and one or more access devices,for example access device 1102, access device 1104, and access device1106. In an example embodiment, server 1108 and access devices 1102,1104, and 1106 may be coupled to each other directly or indirectly. Inan example embodiment, server 1108 may comprise a computer program whichmay store, provide, utilize, and/or the like, map information, mediaobject information, position information, and/or the like. For example,server 1108 may comprise a computer program which may comprise an imagedatabase, map information, position information related to at least oneimage, and/or the like. It should be understood that server 1108 maycomprise more than one apparatus. For example, server 1108 may comprisea communication apparatus, a database, a computational apparatus, anauthentication server, and/or the like. An access device, for exampleaccess device 1102, may be used to interact with server 1108. Forexample, an access device, such as access device 1102, may be anelectronic device, for example electronic device 10 of FIG. 12, acomputer, and/or the like. In an example embodiment, link 1110 mayprovide communication between access device 1102 and server 1108. In anexample embodiment, link 1112 may provide communication between accessdevice 1104 and server 1108. In an example embodiment, link 1114 mayprovide communication between access device 1106 and server 1108. Alink, for example link 1110, may comprise internet communication,wireless communication, cellular communication, and/or the like.

An access device, for example access device 1102, and/or a server, forexample server 1108, may comprise information related to a media object,position information, map information, and/or the like. For example,access device 1102 may comprise position information related to a mediaobject, such as position information. In such an example, access device1102 may comprise information relating to a media object being presentedto a user.

In an example embodiment, information related to map information may beutilized by server 1108. For example, server 1108 may provide access toa media object. In that example, the media object may be related toposition information. In such an example, server 1108 may utilize mapinformation and position information related to the media object. Forexample, server 1108 may generate a visual representation of the mapinformation and the position information related to the media object,for example, position information 204C of FIG. 2.

In an example embodiment, server 1108 may provide access to more thanone media object. In an example embodiment, the media objects may berelated to position information. In such an example, server 1108 mayutilize map information and position information related to the mediaobjects. For example, server 1108 may generate a visual representationof the map information and the position information related to the mediaobjects, for example, position information 204A-204I of FIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electronic device which maybenefit from the teachings of the invention. It should be understood,however, that a electronic device as illustrated and hereinafterdescribed is merely illustrative of an electronic device that wouldbenefit from embodiments of the present invention and, therefore, shouldnot be taken to limit the scope of the present invention. While oneembodiment of the electronic device 10 is illustrated and will behereinafter described for purposes of example, other types of electronicdevices, such as, but not limited to, portable digital assistants(PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gamingdevices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices andother types of electronic systems, may readily employ embodiments of thepresent invention. Furthermore, devices may readily employ embodimentsof the present invention regardless of their intent to provide mobility.

Embodiments of the present invention will be primarily described belowin conjunction with mobile communications applications. However, itshould be understood that embodiments of the present invention may beutilized in conjunction with a variety of other applications, both inthe mobile communications industries and outside of the mobilecommunications industries.

The electronic device 10 comprises an antenna 12 (or multiple antennae)in operable communication with a transmitter 14 and a receiver 16. Theelectronic device 10 further comprises a controller 20 or otherprocessing element that provides signals to and receives signals fromthe transmitter 14 and receiver 16, respectively. The signals maycomprise signaling information in accordance with a communicationsinterface standard, user speech, received data, user generated data,and/or the like. The electronic device 10 may operate with one or moreair interface standards, communication protocols, modulation types, andaccess types. By way of illustration, the electronic device 10 mayoperate in accordance with any of a number of first, second, thirdand/or fourth-generation communication protocols or the like. Forexample, the electronic device 10 may operate in accordance withsecond-generation (2G) wireless communication protocols IS-136 (TDMA),GSM, and IS-95 (CDMA), or with third-generation (3G) wirelesscommunication protocols, such as UMTS, CDMA2000, WCDMA and TD-SCDMA,with fourth-generation (4G) wireless communication protocols, wirelessnetworking protocols, such as 802.11, short range wireless protocols,such as Bluetooth, and/or the like.

It is understood that the controller 20 comprises circuitry desirablefor implementing audio and logic functions of the electronic device 10.For example, the controller 20 may comprise a digital signal processordevice, a microprocessor device, various analog to digital converters,digital to analog converters, and other support circuits. Control andsignal processing functions of the electronic device 10 are allocatedbetween these devices according to their respective capabilities. Thecontroller 20 thus may also comprise the functionality toconvolutionally encode and interleave message and data prior tomodulation and transmission. The controller 20 may additionally comprisean internal voice coder, and may comprise an internal data modem.Further, the controller 20 may comprise functionality to operate one ormore software programs, which may be stored in memory. For example, thecontroller 20 may operate a connectivity program, such as a conventionalWeb browser. The connectivity program may then allow the electronicdevice 10 to transmit and receive Web content, such as location-basedcontent and/or other web page content, according to a WirelessApplication Protocol (WAP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and/orthe like, for example.

The electronic device 10 may also comprise a user interface including anoutput device such as a ringer, a conventional earphone and/or speaker24, a microphone 26, a display 28, and/or a user input interface, whichare coupled to the controller 20. The user input interface, which allowsthe electronic device 10 to receive data, may comprise any of a numberof devices allowing the electronic device 10 to receive data, such as akeypad 30, a touch display (not shown) or other input device. Inembodiments including the keypad 30, the keypad 30 may comprise numeric(for example, 0-9) keys, symbol keys (for example, #, *), alphabetickeys, and/or the like for operating the electronic device 10. Forexample, the keypad 30 may comprise a conventional QWERTY keypadarrangement. The keypad 30 may also comprise various soft keys withassociated functions. In addition, or alternatively, the electronicdevice 10 may comprise an interface device such as a joystick or otheruser input interface. The electronic device 10 further comprises abattery 34, such as a vibrating battery pack, for powering variouscircuits that are required to operate the electronic device 10, as wellas optionally providing mechanical vibration as a detectable output.

In an example embodiment, the electronic device 10 comprises a mediacapturing element, such as a camera, video and/or audio module, incommunication with the controller 20. The media capturing element may beany means for capturing an image, video and/or audio for storage,display or transmission. For example, in an example embodiment in whichthe media capturing element is a camera module 36, the camera module 36may comprise a digital camera which may form a digital image file from acaptured image. As such, the camera module 36 comprises hardware, suchas a lens or other optical component(s), and/or software necessary forcreating a digital image file from a captured image. Alternatively, thecamera module 36 may comprise only the hardware for viewing an image,while a memory device of the electronic device 10 stores instructionsfor execution by the controller 20 in the form of software for creatinga digital image file from a captured image. In an example embodiment,the camera module 36 may further comprise a processing element such as aco-processor which assists the controller 20 in processing image dataand an encoder and/or decoder for compressing and/or decompressing imagedata. The encoder and/or decoder may encode and/or decode according to astandard format, for example, a JPEG standard format.

The electronic device 10 may further comprise a user identity module(UIM) 38. The UIM 38 may be a memory device having a built in processor.The UIM 38 may comprise, for example, a subscriber identity module(SIM), a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), a universalsubscriber identity module (USIM), a removable user identity module(R-UIM), and/or the like. The UIM 38 may store information elementsrelated to a mobile subscriber. In addition to the UIM 38, theelectronic device 10 may be equipped with memory. For example, theelectronic device 10 may comprise volatile memory 40, such as volatileRandom Access Memory (RAM) including a cache area for the temporarystorage of data. The electronic device 10 may also comprise othermemory, for example, non-volatile memory 42, which may be embeddedand/or may be removable. The non-volatile memory 42 may additionally oralternatively comprise an EEPROM, flash memory or the like, such as thatavailable from the SanDisk Corporation of Sunnyvale, Calif., or LexarMedia Inc. of Fremont, Calif. The memories may store any of a number ofpieces of information, and data. The information and data may be used bythe electronic device 10 to implement the functions of the electronicdevice 10. For example, the memories may comprise an identifier, such asan international mobile equipment identification (IMEI) code, which mayuniquely identify the electronic device 10.

Although FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a electronic device which mayutilize embodiments of the present invention, it should be understoodthat the electronic device 10 of FIG. 12 is merely an example devicethat may utilize embodiments of the present invention. For example adevice having a processing element for managing memory operations mayutilize embodiments of the present invention. For example, such a devicemay also comprise or otherwise be in communication with a memory device.Such a device may comprise some form of user interface. For example,such devices could be, but are not limited to, portable digitalassistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers,televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders,GPS devices and other types of electronic systems. A processing elementsuch as those described above may be embodied in various ways. Forexample, the processing element may be embodied as a processor, acoprocessor, a controller or various other processing means or devicesincluding integrated circuits such as, for example, an ASIC (applicationspecific integrated circuit), FPGA (field programmable gate array),and/or the like.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application ofthe claims appearing below, it is possible that a technical effect ofone or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may be toautomatically generate an image to provide a visual context for a mediaobject. Another possible technical effect of one or more of the exampleembodiments disclosed herein may be automatically present an image toprovide a visual context for a media object. Another technical effect ofone or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein may be improve auser experience related to a media object.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software,hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware andapplication logic. The software, application logic and/or hardware mayreside on at least one access device or at least one server. If desired,part of the software, application logic and/or hardware may reside on anaccess device, part of the software, application logic and/or hardwaremay reside on a server, and part of the software, application logicand/or hardware may reside on another server. The application logic,software or an instruction set is preferably maintained on any one ofvarious conventional computer-readable media. In the context of thisdocument, a “computer-readable medium” may be any media or means thatcan contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructionsfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed inany order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired,one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may becombined.

Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independentclaims, other aspects of the invention comprise any combination offeatures from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims withthe features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinationsexplicitly set out in the claims.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes exampleembodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed ina limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modificationswhich may be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. An apparatus, comprising a processor configured to: determine aposition information related to a first media object; determine aposition information related to a second media object; and automaticallygenerate at least one image based at least in part on said positioninformation related to said first media object and based at least inpart on said position information related to said second media object.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said processor is furtherconfigured to display said first media object.
 3. The apparatus of claim1, wherein said processor is further configured to display said secondmedia object.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said processor isfurther configured to display said at least one automatically generatedimage.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said processor is furtherconfigured to automatically generate an animation comprising said atleast one automatically generated image.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein said animation comprises depiction of at least one of: movementalong a path between a location related to said first media object and alocation related to said second media object; and a transition between aheading related to said first media object and a heading related to saidsecond media object.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidgeneration comprises at least one of: determining a location betweensaid position information related to said first media object and saidposition information related to said second media object; anddetermining a heading between said position information related to saidfirst media object and said position information related to said secondmedia object.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said generatingcomprises at least one of: determining information related to abuilding, generating a representation of a building, determininginformation related to a street, and generating a representation of astreet.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said generating comprisesat least one of: determining a time between a time related to said firstmedia object and a time related to said second media object; determininga weather condition related to said first media object and said secondmedia object; and determining a stylistic attribute related to saidfirst media object and said second media object.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein said stylistic attribute comprises at least one of:lighting; image resolution; and color.
 11. A method, comprising:determining a position information related to a first media object;determining a position information related to a second media object; andautomatically generating at least one image based at least in part onsaid position information related to said first media object and saidposition information related to said second media object.
 12. The methodof claim 11, further comprising displaying said first media object. 13.The method of claim 11, further comprising displaying said second mediaobject.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising displaying saidat least one said automatically generated image.
 15. The method of claim11, further comprising automatically generating an animation comprisingsaid at least one automatically generated image.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein said animation comprises depiction of at least one of:movement along a path between a location related to said first mediaobject and said a location related to said second media object; and atransition between a heading related to said first media object and aheading related to said second media object,
 17. The method of claim 15,wherein said animation comprises depiction of at least one of: passageof time between a time related to said first media object and a timerelated to said second media object; and a stylistic transition betweena stylistic attribute related to said first media object and a stylisticattribute related to said second media object
 18. The method of claim11, wherein said generating comprises of at least one of: determining alocation between said position information related to said first mediaobject and said position information related to said second mediaobject; and determining a heading between said position informationrelated to said first media object and said position information relatedto said second media object.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein saidgenerating comprises of at least one of: determining a time between atime related to said first media object and a time related to saidsecond media object; determining a weather condition related to saidfirst media object and said second media object; and determining astylistic attribute related to said first media object and said secondmedia object.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein said stylisticattribute comprises of at least one of: lighting; image resolution; andcolor.
 21. The method of claim 11, wherein said generating comprises ofat least one of: determining information related to a building,generating a representation of a building, determining informationrelated to a street, generating a representation of a street.
 22. Acomputer program product comprising a computer-readable medium bearingcomputer program code embodied therein for use with a computer, thecomputer program code comprising: code for determining a positioninformation related to a first media object; code for determining aposition information related to a second media object; and code forautomatically generating at least one image based at least in part onsaid position information related to said first media object and saidposition information related to said second media object.
 23. Acomputer-readable medium encoded with instructions that, when executedby a computer, perform: determining a position information related to afirst media object; determining a position information related to asecond media object; and automatically generating at least one imagebased at least in part on said position information related to saidfirst media object and said position information related to said secondmedia object.